Moroccan airports set ambitious goal : 80 million passengers by 2030

A comprehensive program for the expansion and modernization of airport infrastructure has been approved, aiming to increase national air traffic capacity from 30 to 80 million passengers by 2030.

The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced on Wednesday in Casablanca the launch of an ambitious initiative as part of the National Airports Office’s (ONDA) «Airports 2030» strategy. This plan seeks to accommodate the growing demands of air transport and prepare the country to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

«We are facing great challenges, particularly the preparation for the 2030 World Cup, supporting the growth of air transport, improving service quality, and meeting visitors’ expectations, while enhancing Morocco’s competitiveness as a destination», said Abdessamad Kayouh.

As part of this transformation, a development plan for Royal Air Maroc (RAM) includes expanding the national airline’s fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037. This structural upgrade will reinforce Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport as an international hub connecting Africa, Europe, America, and the Middle East.

Kayouh also announced plans to connect Casablanca Airport to the high-speed train network, with the construction of an international-standard railway station. This infrastructure will link the airport to: Tangier in less than two hours, Rabat in under 30 minutes
and Marrakech in under 55 minutes.

Additionally, a regional train will serve the airport every 15 minutes, improving accessibility and strengthening its strategic role.

Beyond major hubs, the program also prioritizes the development of airports in the South and East of the country. These infrastructures will be essential for expanding domestic air transport and boosting tourism in cities such as Beni Mellal, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Taroudant, Tata, Es-Smara, and Bouarfa.

The minister called on Board members to ensure rigorous oversight of the project’s execution, implementing precise plans to guarantee completion within the set deadlines.

The meeting was attended by Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Abdellatif Zaghnoun, Director of the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Holdings (ANGSPE) and Adel El Fakir, General Director of ONDA.